Kelleys Island State Park

Massive ice sheets entered Ohio during the glacial period, gouging and scouring the bedrock, leaving deep depressions that filled with water. That's how the Great Lakes were formed. The smallest of the great lakes, Lake Erie is home to Kelleys Island State Park located on the north end of Kelleys Island. The 676-acre park makes up almost a third of Kelleys Island. Migrating songbirds rest here before winging across the lake. Hundreds of different species have been identified, making this a prime bird watching spot. Keep an eye out for several nesting pairs of bald eagles. Magnificent limestone cliffs, crystal caverns and an abundance of ...

Massive ice sheets entered Ohio during the glacial period, gouging and scouring the bedrock, leaving deep depressions that filled with water. That's how the Great Lakes were formed. The smallest of the great lakes, Lake Erie is home to Kelleys Island State Park located on the north end of Kelleys Island. The 676-acre park makes up almost a third of Kelleys Island. Migrating songbirds rest here before winging across the lake. Hundreds of different species have been identified, making this a prime bird watching spot. Keep an eye out for several nesting pairs of bald eagles. Magnificent limestone cliffs, crystal caverns and an abundance of recreation opportunities abound at the state park. Fishing is very popular because Lake Erie's high nutrient levels and warm temperatures produce greater varieties of fish than any other Great Lake, with annual catches nearly equal to the combined catches of all the other Great Lakes. Dominant species are yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish and walleye. Kelleys Island State Park also offers six miles of hiking, ruins of lime kilns and quarrying operations, sandy beach, picnic areas, boat launch and campground. For a treat, rent a yurt at the campground. Round tent-like structures stretched over wooden frames, the yurts have a kitchen, living and sleeping areas and private bathroom.

About the Expert

Jackie Sheckler Finch has written several guidebooks, including The Unofficial Guide to Campgrounds in the Great Lakes States, and four times she was named Travel Writer of the Year by Midwest Travel Writers Association.